HHS says no lab is certified yet for oral-fluid drug tests
Heavy Duty Trucking reports fleets still cannot use oral-fluid tests for DOT drug testing because HHS says no lab has been certified to test oral fluid.
What happened
Fleets still cannot use oral-fluid tests to meet DOT drug testing rules for truck drivers and other safety-sensitive workers, Heavy Duty Trucking reports. DOT approved the method in 2023, but at least two federally certified labs are needed before employers can use it, and HHS confirmed in an Oct. 29 proposal that no lab has been certified to test oral fluid. The FDA removed a premarket review step for certain testing systems on Oct. 6.
Why it matters
Until labs are certified, DOT drug tests for drivers keep running under the current procedures. The HHS proposal would update lab rules and collection steps, and DOT would decide later how to use any final changes in its own program. HDT also notes DOT has said a state medical marijuana card does not excuse a positive DOT marijuana test.
What to consider
Keep your current DOT testing program and consortium setup in place for now. If you want a say in how oral-fluid testing works, HHS takes comments on its proposal through Dec. 28. HHS oral-fluid proposal · Comment on Regulations.gov
Sources
Reporting and records credited to the sources above, Nov. 2, 2026. We link to the original and add what it means for carriers.
This item is general information, not legal advice. Rules and programs change, so check the sources above. How we pick, source and correct Wire items · More from The Wire